interrupting

Definition of interruptingnext
present participle of interrupt
as in intruding
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion it's rude to interrupt when someone is making an important point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of interrupting As 6-7 went viral, teachers complained that random outbursts by their students were interrupting their lessons. Rebekah Willett, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026 In cab, operators can use voice commands to change settings, diagnose issues, and connect to Cat applications without interrupting work. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026 She was also criticized for interrupting a CBS interview to stop a question about her relationship with the legendary coach from being asked. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026 Around 72 million people remain under wind alerts across the High Plains, Rocky Mountains and the Northeast where strong wind gusts and snow storms have been interrupting holiday weekend travel. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 20 Dec. 2025 But the most famous example of the season interrupting conflict is the Christmas Truce of 1914. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 20 Dec. 2025 The director’s concern is juxtaposed with another scene that finds an executive interrupting a fan telling Charli that her music saved his life. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025 An early appearance from the Editor means premature evaluation — a mind interrupting itself just as the creative thoughts were getting fun. Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025 Sorry for interrupting you there. Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrupting
Verb
  • Rewatching bits and pieces of the director’s filmography this week, the ongoing investigation into the killings of Reiner and his wife kept intruding.
    Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
  • Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s long-standing Research for Civil Security program, the system uses an extendable net to safely capture intruding drones without causing debris or collateral damage.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Ibrahim keeps bothering me endlessly, touching my leg and thigh.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Ask her if anything is bothering her.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Hopper saw a 40% increase in air travelers, adding its Disruption Assistance feature – which allows users to instantly rebook if their flight is delayed or canceled, or get a refund – overnight following the DOT’s announcement.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Every venue was upgraded to meet demand, with multiple cities adding extra dates, including a triumphant hometown finale in New York City.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dip the bottom of each cutting in rooting hormone and shake off any excess rooting powder or gel.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Rogers brought the conversation back to Crockett later in the episode, cutting in to clarify his earlier remarks.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interrupting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrupting. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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